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Kambosos expecting an ‘army of blue and white flags’ for world title fight in Melbourne

The Greek Herald
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Kambosos expecting an ‘army of blue and white flags’ for world title fight in Melbourne

By Chris Spyrou.

Unified lightweight world champion, George “Ferocious” Kambosos Jr., will battle WBC lightweight title-holder Devin Haney for the undisputed championship on Sunday, June 5. 

It was announced on Friday, April 1 that Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium would host the world title fight, being dubbed a “sensational spectacle” and “one of the biggest fights in years” by Kambosos’ promoter Lou DiBella.

“The Spartan warrior is going to get an opportunity to perform in front of both his Australian countrymen and his people of Greek ancestry,” DiBella said at the press conference.

Lou DiBella and Bob Arum speaking to Eddie McGuire before Kambosos walks on stage. Photo: The Greek Herald / Chris Spyrou.

The Greek Australian entered Marvel Stadium on Friday heralded by Robert Tepper’s ‘No Easy Way Out’ from the Rocky IV soundtrack, sporting a tailored black suit and Gucci sunglasses. 

READ MORE: George Kambosos Jr. to defend lightweight title against Devin Haney in Australia.

Kambosos approaches the stage at Marvel Stadium. Photo: The Greek Herald / Chris Spyrou.

Flanked by his father Jim Kambosos, the fighter laid out his five belts before reassuring: “These belts aren’t going anywhere, they’re staying here.”

“These belts are not only mine, they’re ours as a country, Greece as well”, he added.

Kambosos with his father Jim. Photo: The Greek Herald / Chris Spyrou.

In a one-on-one interview, the world champion told The Greek Herald, “I fight for the Greeks, not only here in Australia, in Melbourne, in Sydney, but worldwide.

“I take that flag with me everywhere. That flag still hasn’t been washed from the Lopez fight, it’s got blood all over it. 

“That’s how much this means to me. I’ll bleed for our country.

Kambosos with his belts. Photo: The Greek Herald / Chris Spyrou.

“So to be here, to be fighting in Melbourne with such a massive Greek population that’s the largest outside of Athens, it’s incredible.

“This is going to be an army of blue and white flags, an army of Australian flags. It’s going to be amazing.”

WATCH: George Kambosos’ one-on-one interview with The Greek Herald 

To unify the lightweight championship, Kambosos requires one more belt “and Devin has it”, Dibella said. 

Kambosos had initially agreed to fight Vasiliy Lomachenko, however, the Ukrainian two-time Olympic gold medalist withdrew, electing to defend his home country against the Russian attack instead.

Kambosos will have the opportunity to unify the lightweight championship and become Australia’s first-ever undisputed champion in front of 50,000 spectators at Marvel Stadium in June. Millions will also be watching live on ESPN, Kayo and Foxtel.

Kambosos with his family. Photo: The Greek Herald / Chris Spyrou.

Greece’s hidden gems: 5 islands you probably haven’t heard of before

Eleni Patsalides
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Greece’s hidden gems: 5 islands you probably haven’t heard of before

We all know the main sites that attract hundreds of thousands of tourists to Greece every year, and don’t get us wrong they do take your breath away every time! 

These 5 islands though will sweep you into parts of the Aegean, Icarian and every other sea that you didn’t know existed. And after you read our list, you’ll understand why. 

1. Anafi

One of Greece’s best kept secrets, the island of Anafi in the Cyclades. Although is it just a short 22km from Santorini, Anafi is still one of the least visited islands in Greece. According to Greek mythology, Anafi emerged from the bottom of the sea to shelter the Argonauts. 

Anafi

2. Skyros

Located in the Sporades, this small island isn’t your typical tourist destination. Take a sailing boat around the island for the day and enjoy some of the most beautiful caves, bays and islets, or take a tour to some of the islands prehistoric sites, Skyros’ peaceful landscape will make you fall in love. 

Skyros

3. Astypalaia

The butterfly shaped island lies between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese and although technically belongs to the latter, holds the true beauty of both. Local boat services offer small trips to the surrounding islands that will take your breath away. 

view of charming white houses Astypalea island

4. Trizonia

A hidden little gem on the Corinthian Gulf accessible by ferry boat, Trizonia is the only inhabited island in the Corinthian Gulf and is also only 500m west of Athens. With its busy vibe you’d be surprised to find that cars, motorbikes, and trucks are strictly prohibited on the island – making it the perfect place to relax and unwind in the serenity of this tiny piece of paradise. 

Trizonia

5. Ikaria

Named after the myth of Icarus, Ikaria is known for the longevity of its inhabitants. There is an air of relaxation, a mood that is set by the population that lives there that captures you, Ikaria is the place to let go of your stresses. Between hikes in the islands mountains and destressing at the thermal spa at Therma Village, Ikaria is one Greece’s best kept secrets.


Ikaria

George Dalaras tribute concert at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre a huge success

Andriana Simos
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George Dalaras tribute concert at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre a huge success

A tribute concert to Greek singer, George Dalaras, at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre was a huge success on Sunday night with close to 800 people attending.

The concert, which was titled ‘The Last 40 Years: A Tribute to the Great George Dalaras,’ was part of this year’s Greek Festival of Sydney celebrations.

The Aegean Quartet came together with George Karantonis and Moda Blue on the night to perform some of Dalaras’ much loved songs from the last 40 years.

“The female singer on stage, Anna, was also amazing and it made a fantastic duet having her and George singing on stage,” Marinella Maglis, an audience member, told The Greek Herald after the event.

“I’m not Greek but I really, really enjoyed it. I had a blast.”

Photos supplied by Voula Viatos.

Evangeline Titilas, Sami Lorking-Tanner listed among Australian fashion’s most influential

The Greek Herald
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Evangeline Titilas, Sami Lorking-Tanner listed among Australian fashion’s most influential

The Daily Telegraph has named the Australian fashion players it considers trendsetters for this year and among the list are Evangeline Titilas and her business partner, Sami Lorking-Tanner.

Titilas and Lorking-Tanner are the co-founders of ‘With Jean’ – a Queensland brand known for its mini-dresses, cropped cardigans and swimwear.

According to The Daily Telegraph, the business had a “huge increase” in sales after reality TV star, Kim Kardashian, wore a ‘With Jean’ metallic bikini two-piece.

Sami Lorking-Tanner and Evangeline Titilas of With Jean.

The businesswomen were forced to restock the swim set, which included a $79 “Baby” bikini bra top and $69 pair of briefs from its “Baby Drip” collection, to keep up with unprecedented demand.

Today, Titilas and Lorking-Tanner are based between Australia and Los Angeles, where its campaigns are shot on “it” girls in the Hollywood Hills.

With Jean’s “Andy dress” – a long-sleeved button down in bright orange and purple – was one of the must-have pieces of 2021.

Source: The Daily Telegraph.

Cumberland Councillor Steve Christou enters race for Parramatta Federal seat

The Greek Herald
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Cumberland Councillor Steve Christou enters race for Parramatta Federal seat

Former Cumberland City Council Mayor and current Councillor, Steve Christou, has today announced that he will be standing for the Federal Seat of Parramatta in the upcoming election as an Independent.

Councillor Christou, who has lived in the western suburbs of Sydney all his life, believes that only a local can truly understand and represent the interests of the community.

“I have decided to run as a candidate to give the electorate of Parramatta a real alternative outside of the two major political parties,” Cr Christou said.

“For way too long the Parramatta electorate has been taken for granted by political opportunists who have not delivered any outcomes for the local community. The locals feel they are being used as a vehicle to elevate big egos into Government, with no real commitment to community interests and needs.”

READ MORE: Cumberland Mayor Steve Christou joins NSW Premier and Health Minister at opening of new vax clinic.

Cr Christou said the Labor Party’s cynical decision to install a millionaire candidate from Bellevue Hill in the Eastern Suburbs into the electorate of Parramatta is a real slap in the face of local residents and demonstrates the disdain they have for our local community.

“This is the second time the Labor Party has parachuted an outsider into the Parramatta seat. Julie Owens was an outsider from North Sydney in 2005, now history repeats itself with this bloke from Bellevue Hill,” he said.

“They are opportunists who searched around for a place to land their rich mate, who was a former advisor to Kevin Rudd. What would a multi-millionaire know about the needs of hard-working Australians? What would he know or care about the day-to-day costs of tolls, expensive commutes to the City and dealing with infrastructure changes that are taking place here on our doorstep?

“Similarly, the Liberal Party didn’t care enough when it decided to abandon its residents in both Parramatta and Cumberland City Council. They abandoned the community in these areas and refused to endorse and run candidates. 

“This has resulted in these Councils being taken over by woke Left-wing extremists who do nothing but contribute ideological nonsense at the expense of the ratepayer. Already, these now Labor-controlled Councils are considering imposing rate rises on their local residents to fund their big-spending ideological, woke and extreme agendas.

READ MORE: ‘No concession at all’: Cumberland Mayor, Steve Christou, slams lockdown rules.

“It’s amazing that the Liberal Party is now asking the same residents, who they have betrayed and abandoned, for their support and approval… I understand what’s going on here. I live it every day.

Steve Christou.

“Our community continues to be greatly affected by Covid. It was forced to endure extended lockdowns, restrictions, curfews, extra police and the deployment of the army to our local streets. Tens of thousands of people were unable to go to work and support their families. They were unable to pay their mortgage, rent, bills, or put food on the table to feed their children.

“I have witnessed many businesses who were crippled and never recovered, closing their doors permanently and now we are experiencing an unprecedented flood crisis. The response by our elected leaders has been dismal and catastrophic to our local community because we are simply not on their radar.

“Hundreds of Cumberland City Council residents have suffered extensive damage to their properties, yet for some reason Cumberland residents have not been approved for the Federal Assistance Disaster Package, which neighboring Councils of Fairfield, Parramatta, and Blacktown have all received.

“When I was Mayor, I fought hard for my community and facilitated real change. The reason we were added for flood disaster payments was due to my advocacy. Sadly now, there has been a real lack of leadership and the community is suffering.

“By nominating as a candidate, I hope to provide and contribute to more positive outcomes for local residents as they will have a strong voice fighting for them.”

Preston Market comes alive for Greek Cultural Day celebration

The Greek Herald
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Preston Market comes alive for Greek Cultural Day celebration

Preston Market’s slogan “it’s not just a market, it’s a community” rang loud and true on Sunday, April 3, when the entire centre came alive for a Greek Cultural Day celebration.

Annually, the market proudly promotes cultural diversity through a series of festivals dedicated to some of the dominant ethnic backgrounds which make up the City of Darebin’s demographic. 

Hosted and presented in conjunction with the MANASIS School of Greek Dance and Culture, the event showcased live music and dance performances from: 

  • K Studios- School of Performing Arts and Technique, together with Instructor Kaliroy Kirkopoulos, and guest musicians George Kirkopoulos (clarinet), Notis Karidakis (Bouzouki), George Stavros (keyboards).
  • MANASIS School of Greek Dance and Culture, with instructor Dimosthenis Manasis.
  • ANAGENNISI Band featuring John Georgakopoulos (Bouzouki/vocals) and “the Jim’s” (guitar/vocals), Jim (Accordion).

Although the majority of the focus was on the performers, their costumes and their singing and dance exhibitions, most groups post-performance made their way down into the crowd, engaging Greeks and non-Greeks alike to all join in on the festivities.

READ MORE: Apartment owners and stall holders at odds over Preston Market redevelopment plans.

The event was the final instalment of the ‘Greek National Month’ celebrations, and although falling just outside of March, its inclusion was imperative as an opportunity for some of the community’s youngest Greek Australians to exhibit their talents and cultural pride.

Kalamatiana and Tsamika (and klarina in general) were very much the flavour however, the crowd-favourite was the all-in Zorba dance, which saw quite literally hundreds of people all join in to create an endless line, snaking its way up and through the aisles of the market, led by the youngest performers of the day, the MANASIS beginners- some of which were only three years of age.

“A very big congratulations to all participants, and our sincere gratitude to staff and management of Preston Market for supporting and embracing the celebration of cultural diversity at every opportunity,” the MANASIS group said in a statement.

“A special mention needs to go to The Karditsa Association “KARAISKAKIS,” the Hellenic Community of Moorabbin, the Greek Community of Gippsland, Vasilios Aligiannis (Sydney) and Konstantinos Kalymnios, for their donations and generosity in the form of a multitude of costumes which, in addition to the school’s own collection, have the opportunity to wear during this (and many other) events!”

With a few other small community events planned over the coming weeks, the next big event on the social calendar is the MANASIS Tavern Night on Saturday, May 14 at Stars International Receptions.

READ MORE: Melbourne locals fear Preston Market could be demolished for new apartments.

Porsche racer, Aaron Zerefos, scores Bathurst 6 Hour drive

The Greek Herald
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Porsche racer, Aaron Zerefos, scores Bathurst 6 Hour drive

Porsche racer, Aaron Zerefos, has been drafted into a BMW for the Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 hour on the Easter long weekend, April 16 – 17.

Zerefos will be piloting the #47 Milk Lab BMW 130i with Kiwi Gary Mennell.

“Gary sent me a text on New Year’s Eve while I was recovering from COVID, asking if I was keen to race,” Zerefos said.

“It wasn’t a hard decision for me to make, I am keen to get back and build some momentum for my racing career and look beyond the 6 Hour.

“It’s the first big race of the year in this country and it’s a relatable race for many Aussies – the cars are from the showroom floor and what people drive to the shops every day. It has an old-school vibe, which I really like.

“The last two years I have been doing some one-off drives in Porsches GT3 Cup cars to stay sharp and fit. It has been challenging to keep racing careers alive for a lot of racers – not just myself – with travel restrictions, but my fans and sponsors have remained loyal and it’s great to be back racing in 2022.

“I’ve been busy with my business commitments this year and the timing is perfect to put the helmet on. I want to thank Milk Lab for coming on board and supporting our campaign.”

Zerefos’ first opportunity to drive the BMW will be in Friday’s practice sessions at Bathurst, but despite not being able to test the BMW beforehand he is confident of quickly reaching a competitive pace.

“The BMW has a lot of new running gear including a fresh transmission and diff, and the motor is strong; the team have been working around the clock to make sure it’s ready for practice on the Friday,” the Bathurst 12 Hour podium finisher said.

“At the end of the day, I am racer and will do what I can with the equipment I have to find the limit.

Bathurst.

“Bathurst can bite you pretty hard but I am going into the race feeling optimistic and relaxed. I’m used to turning up with my helmet and working with a new team with not much testing, I’ve done that my whole career so it doesn’t bother me.”

Zerefos also hinted at some other racing on the agenda for 2022.

“There are some deals on table for the Bathurst 12 Hour with a leading Porsche team and some single seater opportunities in America including F4 at the Miami Grand Prix in May – the phone has been ringing,” he said.

“I hope to put a good show on Easter weekend and do a good job for my team and the car owner.

“I have been competing for nearly 20 years now, the sport has been good to me. I have done some cool stuff, it’s taken me all over the world including a V8 Supercars test and a NASCAR test at Las Vegas, it’s been a good journey from humble beginnings in a paddock.”

Zerefos hits the track for all-important practice on Friday before the main event starts at 11am on Easter Sunday.

Greece completes early repayment of bailout loans to IMF

The Greek Herald
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Greece completes early repayment of bailout loans to IMF

Greece has repaid its debts to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) two years ahead of schedule, the Greek Ministry of Finance announced on Monday.

Greece’s Finance Minister, Christos Staikouras, hailed the early payment as “a very positive development” that would mean significant savings in debt servicing costs totalling 230 million euros.

“This closes a chapter that opened in May 2010, when Greece appealed to the fund for financial support,” Staikouras said in his statement.

READ MORE: Greece on track to repay last of IMF loans by end of March.

“We are continuing, fully aware of the great difficulties and the new external challenges… to make Greece comprehensively stronger, with its economy more productive, extroverted and more socially just.”

Greece’s European Union bailout lenders gave the formal go-ahead last week for the early repayment of the outstanding loans worth 1.86 billion euros.

READ MORE: European Union approves early repayment plan of Greek bailout loans to IMF.

Between 2010 and 2018, three successive bailouts totalling some 260 billion euros prevented Greece from going bankrupt and exiting the shared euro currency.

Despite exiting the bailout program in 2018, Greece remains under an enhanced surveillance program created by European lenders to monitor spending, an arrangement due to end later this year.

Source: AP News.

US asks Cyprus to transfer its Russian-made weapons to Ukraine

The Greek Herald
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US asks Cyprus to transfer its Russian-made weapons to Ukraine

In a significant move, US representatives in Cyprus have asked the government whether they would be willing to transfer the country’s Russian-made weapons to Ukraine, Ekathimerini reports.

The request was received positively by Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades who gave the go-ahead for further discussions to be done quickly. This would mean that Cyprus will no longer remain neutral in the war, as is usually the case.

Kathimerini’s sources said that the Americans specifically asked for Cypriot anti-aircraft weapons, as well as attack helicopters.

READ MORE: Greece refuses to supply Soviet-era missile systems to Ukraine.

Consequently, if weapons from the Cypriot armed forces are to be deployed to Ukraine they will be replaced with corresponding American weaponry.

Greece condemns Bucha killings:

This comes as Greece has condemned the killings of unarmed civilians in Bucha on the outskirts of Kyiv. 

“Those who perpetrated these crimes must be held accountable,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement in Greek on Monday.

“We call for the immediate investigation of the crimes and the punishment of those responsible.”

Ukraine on Sunday accused the departing Russian forces of carrying out a “massacre” in Bucha while Chechen fighters controlled the area.

It said that the bodies of at least 410 civilians were found, many with bound hands, close-range gunshot wounds and signs of torture. 

The destruction and civilian deaths in Bucha looks set to galvanise the United States and Europe into additional sanctions against Moscow, with officials raising the prospect of restrictions on Russia’s energy exports.

READ MORE: Ukraine’s President thanks Greek FM for offering to lead humanitarian aid mission.

Australia’s Cypriot communities honour 67th anniversary of the EOKA struggle

The Greek Herald
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Australia’s Cypriot communities honour 67th anniversary of the EOKA struggle

Cypriot communities across Australia have honoured the heroes and heroines of the EOKA (National Organisation of Cypriot Fighters) struggle against British colonial rule with a number of church services and wreath laying ceremonies.

In Melbourne, there was a special memorial service and wreath laying ceremony at the Greek Orthodox Parish of St Andrew the Apostle in Forest Hill to honour those who lost their lives in the EOKA struggle.

But that’s not all. Here is The Greek Herald‘s list of what else was held across Australia to mark the significant event

Queensland:

In Queensland, a memorial service and wreath laying ceremony was held to mark the 67th anniversary of the EOKA struggle.

There was also a Divine Liturgy held at St George Greek Orthodox Church in Brisbane, which was presided over by His Grace Bishop Emilianos of Meloa.

The wreath laying was attended by the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Martha Mavrommatis; the Honorary Consul of Greece in Queensland, Dimitris Raftis; the President of the Cypriot Community of Queensland, Stathis Zambas, and members of the board; as well as other representatives of Cypriot and Greek organisations of Queensland.

The formal proceedings were followed by a commemorative event at the Community centre, with speeches, a short film from diaspora children all around the globe celebrating the EOKA struggle, poems and traditional Cypriot dancing by the Community youth.

New South Wales:

The Cyprus Club, the Cypriot Community and other Cypriot Associations of NSW honoured the 67th anniversary of the EOKA struggle for Cyprus with a Doxology and memorial service in honour of the fallen heroes.

The Doxology, which was performed on Sunday, April 3 at the Church of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern, was followed by the laying of wreaths at the cenotaph located on church grounds and coffee in the adjacent hall.

Thalia Achilleos, the wife of the President of The Cyprus Club Panayiotis Achilleos, who was unable to attend the ceremony, was emcee for the day.

Among the officials who laid wreaths were the Treasurer of the Cypriot Community of NSW, Andros Antoniou representing the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Martha Mavrommatis; Giannis Tsingos on behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia; Costas Giannakodimos representing the Consul General of Greece in Sydney Christos Karras; as well as the President of SEKA NSW, Agapitos Passaris and a number of other representatives of cultural and expatriate organisations.

South Australia:

With a doxology and memorial service led by Grace Bishop Silouan of Sinope accompanied by St George Thebarton Parish Priest Father Diogenis Patsouris, Cyprus Community of SA honoured on Sunday those who lost their lives in the EOKA struggle.

Present at the ceremony were, among others, the President of SA’s Cypriot Community, Professor Andreas Evdokiou; the Consul General of Greece in Adelaide, George Psiachas; the President of the Cypriot Aged and Pensioners subcommittee, Christos Ioannou; the President of the Ladies Auxiliary, Thekla Petrou; and the President of SEKA SA, Panagiotis Pyros.

Mr Evdokiou spoke to The Greek Herald after the Doxology and said it is important to continue to remember and commemorate the heroes who fought for the freedom and independence of Cyprus.

“Of course we achieved an independence that may not have been what we wanted. After 48 whole years, we are still under the occupation of the Turkish invader,” Mr Evdokiou said while making a parallel between Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and that of Turkey in Cyprus.

“The invasion of Ukraine brings back memories that we had then, in 1974, and we continue to live this nightmare,” Mr Evdokiou stressed.

“We condemn the invasion of Ukraine but it is also a great hypocrisy by the great and powerful who impose sanctions on Russia and ignore the Cyprus issue. Where were these sanctions and this upheaval of the world when Turkey invaded Cyprus?” Professor Evdokiou said.

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